wfn.org | South African ecumenical newspaper launched

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@wfn.org>]

22 December 1999

Cape Town - The first issue of Christian Quest, a church-based newspaper
for South Africa that seeks to be "true to biblical principles and socially
relevant", was published in mid-December. It has the support of all the
major denominations.

The 'dummy edition' has been produced under the guidance of Mr Allan
Wentzel, Chairman of the Christian Development Trust, with editorial
services provided by Rev Dave Wanless, Coordinator of the Ecumenical News
Network. Mr Wentzel said that it was hoped to begin initial publication of
a monthly, tabloid-sized newspaper in mid-2000, once capital for the
project had been raised from foundations, churches and ecumenical agencies
both in South Africa and overseas .

Market research had shown there was a need for a publication that gave "the
Christian perspective on the spiritual, social, economic and political
concerns of the day". In the post apartheid society, particularly since the
first democratic all-race elections in 1994, South African churches have
been struggling to redefine themselves. What was a common enemy - the
unjust, legally-enforced race discrimination of apartheid - had been
formally ended. The church was now having to address pressing issues such
as continuing racism, poverty, inadequate health, housing and educational
systems, public service corruption and the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

The editorial in the first issue laid out the policy the newspaper will
follow when regular publication begins: "We will welcome both the attempts
to discover a deeper personal spirituality in the midst of our national
moral confusion. We will also encourage the followers of Christ to be in
the forefront of action for social upliftment, moral renewal, political
transparency and economic justice".

The intention of the Board of Directors, once initial capital has been
raised, is that Christian Quest should be distributed as an 'add-on' to a
national newspaper, and by individual and group subscriptions. The business
plan calls for the paper to be self-sufficient within three years.

Rev Dave Wanless - Coordinator: Ecumenical News Network southern Africa
Tel & Fax: +27 (21) 683-9665
Cell: 082 958-6482
E-mail: davecong@mweb.co.za
Website: www.uccsa.co.za